2018/2019 Staff Picks

	Jason Hodges, Executive Director Puddles Pity Party – I've seen Puddles perform twice and both times it was wild and weird and wonderful. Both shows were different, and I can’t wait to see what he does for a third time. Tig Notaro – I've laughed at the wry, sardonic humor of Tig Notaro for years, and now she is coming to Anchorage! You think you know where the joke is going, but then she takes you on a surreal ride you didn’t expect. The Secret Sisters – In January, I was flying home from a conference listening to a list of songs by musicians recommended to me by agents. When the song “You Don’t Own Me Anymore” came on, I nearly wept right there on the plane. I knew right then The Secret Sisters needed to come to Anchorage. The New Standards Holiday Show – A number of years ago, I saw a YouTube clip of The New Standards holiday show in Minneapolis. I loved it. Their offbeat and sometimes irreverent celebration of the holidays, music, and artistry made me want to see a show like this in Anchorage to celebrate the holidays and our Alaskan community of musicians. The Moth Mainstage – This is the third time The Moth is coming to Anchorage, and I am just as excited to see this show was I was the first time it came. It’s always fresh, emotional, and uplifting.
	Laura Carpenter, Marketing Director Tig Notaro – So hilarious. Laugh cramps, here we come. Monty Python’s Spamalot – I’m from a nerdy family and have had lines from Monty Python and the Holy Grail memorized since I was a wee lass. Vusi Mahlasela – I have been a fan of his work for a long time and am excited to hear this cultural icon in person. Joan Osborne Sings the Songs of Bob Dylan – I saw a preview of this show in New York and can’t wait to hear it again. Bob Dylan is an excellent songwriter, and I love Joan’s take on his work. ALAXSXA \| ALASKA – I wanted to see this show last time it was here but couldn’t. I’m glad I get another chance to experience it. Ozomatli & Flor de Toloache – Every time I listen to their music, I am shaking my hips and happy.
	James Fredrick, Community Engagement Director Puddles Pity Party – I don’t see a lot of shows twice, but this will be my fourth time seeing Puddles and I can’t wait. If a show could be my spirit animal, it would be this one. Across the Great Divide – The Hot Club of Cowtown and Dustbowl Revival, two great groups in their own right, will be playing The Band’s 'Music From Big Pink.' I love this album- it’s one of the most influential recordings that you never hear about. Monty Python’s Spamalot – Despite never having seen the musical, I fully understand the airspeed velocities of unladen African and European swallows. And my favorite color is Red. No! Blue!
	Willow Zamos, Business Manager Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole – Such a powerful singer and brings me back home to my island roots. OK Go – Their videos are so fun. I can’t wait to see what they do on stage. Monty Python’s Spamalot – Hilarious. I’m laughing at the thought of this show.
	Becky Kendall, Community Collaborator The Sweet Remains – This is kick back and smile music. These artists also seem like they fit in the category of “friends you just haven’t met yet.” ALAXSXA \| ALASKA – I saw an early run of this show before it debuted in New York. It really drew me in with the intimate stories from different cultural perspectives but above all, love for the same place – home. Tig Notaro – She is the ultimate in people who can make any situation funny. No question. The New Standards Holiday Show – I’m the person who gets excited about the holidays as soon as it snows. And we get to feature some of Anchorage’s most talented musicians onstage? Yes, please! Break of Reality – Missed them last time they were here, and I can’t make that mistake twice!
	Ann Thongdy, Administrative Assistant OK Go – We’re going to have a lot of fun with this show. Monty Python’s Spamalot – Big musical numbers and flying cows? What’s not to like? Frogz – Fantastic family fun! I'm looking forward to seeing this with my daughter.
	Kathryn Easley, Event Manager Ozomatli & Flor de Toloache – I have a deep love for Latin music and I am looking forward to these two unique bands expanding that love. Tig Notaro – I enjoy her intellectual observational comedy, and I love a dry sense of humor. OK Go – OMG! I cannot wait for this group! Physics, visuals and music all in one band. Who could ask for more? Monty Python’s Spamalot – I am excited for another opportunity to do the sing along at the end of the show. . . only this time I promise to get the words right.
	Lindsey Durrell, Communications Manager The Secret Sisters – You know when you hear a group for the first time and think, “How are they not superstars yet?” For me, that’s The Secret Sisters. Their latest album, produced by Brandi Carlile (another favorite), has been my most-played album this year. Across the Great Divide – I love Stax-era soul records and current Americana, and Dustbowl Revival adeptly blends both into a fun, unique sound. With Hot Club of Cowtown, the Atwood stage will be jam-packed with energy and talent. Ozomatli & Flor de Toloache – If you want to get a party started, you put on Ozomatli. And Flor de Toloache are badass musicians simultaneously keeping and breaking traditions. If there are any young musicians in your house, these groups will surely inspire them. And you don’t need to know any Spanish to have a great time. Puddles Pity Party – Who doesn’t love a tender-hearted man with an amazing voice? Seeing Puddles in Anchorage two years ago was the strangest show I’ve ever seen, and I can’t wait for more. Tig Notaro – I’ve been begging for Tig since I started working here. When I heard her for the first time on “This American Life” telling her Taylor Dayne story, I cried from laughter.
	Ronale Anson, Patron Services Coordinator Lucky Chops – The Sousaphone got my attention. I love the funky busker-type music you’d hear in the subway. The Sweet Remains – The close harmonies remind me of the groups of my youth—Simon and Garfunkel, etc. The Secret Sisters – More harmonies and original tunes.
	Lorraine Hebert, Graphic Designer The Secret Sisters – I had never heard of this group until recently. I listened to a few songs and now I am hooked on their beautiful and haunting harmonies. They have become one of my new favorite discoveries. OK Go – I have been completely amazed by there incredibly creative videos. I can’t wait to see how this translates to a live show. The Sound of Music – This has always been a favorite ever since childhood. I think I could see this ten thousand times and it would never get old. Ozomatli & Flor De Toloache – It’s hard to feel anything but upbeat when these musicians play. Last season La Santa Cecilia was one of my favorite concerts, so I don’t want to miss this Latin-fusion double bill. Break of Reality – I love the sound of the cello. I look forward to hearing their unique take on classical and classic rock.